Barber Booty is from Deep Sea Vents (album), 2024.
From BruceHornsby.com:
“Wispy dissonance yields suddenly to devilish strings and shouting horns, as though some faction of an orchestra had rebelled against sonority; for Hornsby, it became “Barber Booty,” a madcap advertisement for pirate escapades.”
Features: Bruce Hornsby (vocals), Alex Sopp (flute), Hideaki Aomori (clarinet), C.J. Camerieri (trumpet), Rob Moose (violin), Nadia Sirota (viola), Gabriel Cabezas (cello)
Context
Booty
Pirates would plunder merchant ships for profitable trade goods: food and drink (especially fish and alcohol), tobacco, weapons, medicine, the ship equipment or the vessels themselves, enslaved people and of course, gold, silver and jewels! Any of these would be traded ashore. See also: WorldHistory.org.
Scurvy
In his 1820 textbook on nautical medicine, Navy surgeon Usher Parsons unflinchingly described the symptoms. Read with caution!:
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- “The gums become soft, livid and swollen, are apt to bleed from the slightest cause, and separate from the teeth, leaving them loose.
- About the same time the legs swell, are glossy, and soon exhibit foul ulcers.
- The same appearances follow, on other depending parts of the body.
- At first the ulcers resemble black blisters which spread and discharge a dark colored matter. These ulcers increase.
- Emaciation ensues.
- Bleeding occurs at the nose and mouth.
- All the evacuations from the body become intolerably fetid.
- Death closes the scene.”
Barber Booty meaning of the song
“Barber Booty” is an exploration of pirate culture, interwoven with elements of humour and absurdity. It paints a picture of life at sea, blending the everyday with the fantastical while capturing the carefree spirit of piracy.
Pirate culture and adventure
The song opens with a take on the disheveled appearance typical of pirates, with references to “lice in my beard” and “mange in my locks.” They create a vivid picture of pirate life, which is often romanticised but also grounded in reality. The idea of paying “barber booty” when the galleon docks suggests a blend of camaraderie and self-care amidst a chaotic lifestyle, highlighting the absurdity of pirates needing grooming services.
Humour and absurdity
The song thrives on absurd imagery, such as “with my bodily fluids I could start my own still,” which juxtaposes the rugged life of a pirate with exaggerated claims about hygiene. This continues with the reference to “the Sweeney Todd of your town,” alluding to the infamous fictional barber known for his darkly comedic story of murder and revenge, reinforcing the absurdity of their situation.
Loosening societal norms
“We pillage and plunder and don’t give a hoot” celebrates a carefree attitude and a rejection of societal norms. This rebellion against conventional behaviour aligns with the stereotypical image of pirates as free spirits, living by their own rules. The mention of “scurvy and dyspepsia” alludes to common ailments faced by sailors, underscoring the harsh realities of their adventurous life.
Piracy and popular culture
The song captures elements of pirate folklore – “we pillage and plunder” echoes classic tales of treasure-seeking pirates. The reference to “barber booty” serves as a humorous twist on the traditional concept of “booty” as treasure, suggesting that even grooming can be considered a form of plunder in the context of their escapades.
Sweeney Todd
Sweeney Todd connects the song to broader themes of madness and revenge found in literature. By likening the barber to Sweeney Todd, it adds a sense of dark comedy into the narrative, adding complexity to the character of the barber.
“Barber Booty” is a homage to pirate culture,. Through its look at grooming and the absurdities of life at sea, Bruce Hornsby captures the essence of adventure, camaraderie, and the delightful chaos of a pirate’s existence. The song invites listeners to embrace the joy of absurdity and the importance of self-care, even in the most unconventional of circumstances.